The President of India & his Power

Article 52 and 53 of the Indian Constitution explains the position and power of the President. The President of India is regarded as the supreme head of the state who exercises the whole executive power of the union.

By the 42nd Amendment Act, it was made compulsory that the President should always work under the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister. Again, under the 44th Amendment Act, the President was given power to ask the Cabinet to reconsider its advice. But after reconsideration of the advice he must act according to that.

The President of India is elected by an “Electoral college” consisting of the elected members of the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies.
He is paid a salary of rs.1.50 lakh p.m. He is provided with an official residence and he is entitled to many other perks and many more facilities.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED TO GET ELECTED AS PRESIDENT:

1) He must be a citizen of India.

2) He must be above the age of 34.

3) He must not be holding any post of profit under any govt.

4) He must not be the member of Lok Sabha but he must be qualified for election as its member.

TENURE OF HIS OFFICE:

He holds his office for the term of 5 years. He can resign before the completion of 5 years of his office period. He can also be removed by impeachment on violation of the Constitution. He is eligible for the re-election.

POWERS OF THE PRESIDENT:

1) He has the power to make appointment of the Prime Minister and other ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister.

2) He has the power to appoint the Chief Justice and other judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.

3) He has the power of appointment of State Governors, members of UPSC, the Comptroller and Auditor general of India etc.

4) He is the supreme commander of the Defense Force of India.

5) He has the power of dissolving the Lok Sabha on the advice of the Prime Minister.

6) A bill before becoming an Act must not only be passed by the two Houses of the Parliament but also be approved by the President.

7) No money bill can be introduced in Parliament unless it has been advised by the President.

8) He has the power to grant pardon to any accused, for the punishment of Death Sentence.

9) He has the power to declare three types of Emergencies:
a> National Emergency (contained under the article 352)